So, I signed up to be the room mother for Cole's class. It's a bit more in depth that I thought, but we're making it work.
The entire school had a fundraiser of selling cookie dough. The class that sold the most receives a $50 gift card to buy items for the classroom. Guess who's class won?! Ms. Hitt's!!! Yea!!
The school also collects box tops for education. They had a big push in October with the class who turns in the most receiving a ice cream party. Guess who's class won?! Ms. Hitt's!! Yea!!
I know i really only had 1/22nd to do with the winnings for the class, but as room mother... WE WON! I love winning. I mean it's great for the kids and all..
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thank You Mr. Bagger at the Commissary Man
I really am not very "crunchy". I recycle, but still love me so preprocessed food. It all started with Seymour Johnson AFB. (did you know that I didn't get the see-more-johnson joke for the first 6 months we lived there? slow on the pick up)
We had to recycle while we lived on base. There was a prison on base and the prisoners would have to separate it all and pick up our trash. Hey, there's always a catch for free lead based paint filled houses with all the 66* air conditioning you can stand. Prisoners were worth it. Then we moved to Idaho, and I kept up with the recycling kick much to Keith's dismay. Sometimes I asked him to take it to base and do it for me. I'm almost positive he dumped it all in the dumpster.
Next pit stop was Korea. They took recycling to the extreme. Did I mention this before? They even recycled food scraps. Along comes Wichita Falls.
For the love... do you know how difficult it is to recycle in this town? I only knew of this little spot on base that would take plastic/newspapers/ and aluminum cans. The city will pick up only organics at our curb (newspapers/cardboard/grass clippings). To recycle tin cans and glass you had to take them to the city drop off out by Wal-Marts.
Honestly - it was a pain in the REAR. I even admit that I started throwing some of it in the trash because there was so much effort involved.
Today I met Mr. Bagger at the Commissary Man. He told me of the recycling mecca on base. "Have you been to the spot out by the Heritage Center by the Missile Gate?" Why no I haven't. I'll check it out. MECCA! This is by far the nicest and more organized recycling center I've ever seen. A one stop drop off for ALL - tin, aluminum, plastic, cardboard, colored paper... ahhhh...
Life just became easier again. So, if you don't recycle, you totally should. Just for one week look at how much plastic alone you throw away.
Now, I'm off to finish my day of car shuttling. Next topic: "What DO you actually DO during the day"
We had to recycle while we lived on base. There was a prison on base and the prisoners would have to separate it all and pick up our trash. Hey, there's always a catch for free lead based paint filled houses with all the 66* air conditioning you can stand. Prisoners were worth it. Then we moved to Idaho, and I kept up with the recycling kick much to Keith's dismay. Sometimes I asked him to take it to base and do it for me. I'm almost positive he dumped it all in the dumpster.
Next pit stop was Korea. They took recycling to the extreme. Did I mention this before? They even recycled food scraps. Along comes Wichita Falls.
For the love... do you know how difficult it is to recycle in this town? I only knew of this little spot on base that would take plastic/newspapers/ and aluminum cans. The city will pick up only organics at our curb (newspapers/cardboard/grass clippings). To recycle tin cans and glass you had to take them to the city drop off out by Wal-Marts.
Honestly - it was a pain in the REAR. I even admit that I started throwing some of it in the trash because there was so much effort involved.
Today I met Mr. Bagger at the Commissary Man. He told me of the recycling mecca on base. "Have you been to the spot out by the Heritage Center by the Missile Gate?" Why no I haven't. I'll check it out. MECCA! This is by far the nicest and more organized recycling center I've ever seen. A one stop drop off for ALL - tin, aluminum, plastic, cardboard, colored paper... ahhhh...
Life just became easier again. So, if you don't recycle, you totally should. Just for one week look at how much plastic alone you throw away.
Now, I'm off to finish my day of car shuttling. Next topic: "What DO you actually DO during the day"
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Indiana Jones
You know, I've never seen the movie. I don't care to see the movie. I have no interest in anything Indiana Jones related. That makes it a top favorite in our house. I didn't watch Star Wars either, but think I did a pretty good job faking it last year. So, with love for my boys I'm throwing an Indiana Jones party.
Cole's request. If you're ever throwing a party, the first thing you do is google it. It's that simple. Because you know those who go WAY overboard and outdo everyone else are just as inclined to write whole articles about it.
So I read a few ideas for throwing an Indiana Jones party. I've narrowed down the list of games we could play and decided what was just too much time/money/effort/beyond the limits of sane.
We made invites by crumbling paper and soaking them in tea, baking them and burning the edges to look like a scroll. I've ordered a little swimming pool to do a treasure dig to find a clue. I'm making a beam for the kids to run across while being shot at by poisonous darts (q-tips through straws) for their next clue. I'm even tempted to make an obstacle course for clue three.
So the clues will lead them to their prize - an Indiana Jones activity book. Now, this is where I've decided I've gone a tad overboard. I want to make a paper mache rock to encase the book. The kids will have to tear into the rock to get their prize. Fun? Ah, it might be... if I can ever figure out how to get it in the dang rock! Attempt #1 failed. Back to the drawing boards.
ps. I've officially wrote an entire article about a birthday party. I'm joining the ranks!
Cole's request. If you're ever throwing a party, the first thing you do is google it. It's that simple. Because you know those who go WAY overboard and outdo everyone else are just as inclined to write whole articles about it.
So I read a few ideas for throwing an Indiana Jones party. I've narrowed down the list of games we could play and decided what was just too much time/money/effort/beyond the limits of sane.
We made invites by crumbling paper and soaking them in tea, baking them and burning the edges to look like a scroll. I've ordered a little swimming pool to do a treasure dig to find a clue. I'm making a beam for the kids to run across while being shot at by poisonous darts (q-tips through straws) for their next clue. I'm even tempted to make an obstacle course for clue three.
So the clues will lead them to their prize - an Indiana Jones activity book. Now, this is where I've decided I've gone a tad overboard. I want to make a paper mache rock to encase the book. The kids will have to tear into the rock to get their prize. Fun? Ah, it might be... if I can ever figure out how to get it in the dang rock! Attempt #1 failed. Back to the drawing boards.
ps. I've officially wrote an entire article about a birthday party. I'm joining the ranks!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Good Deed Day
Awhile back I had a "what if" discussion with Keith. I can't even remember how we got on the subject, but the jest of it was.... If you found a certain amount of money on the ground, where's the line between keeping it and turning it in?
Do you pick up a quarter? A dollar? Do you save a twenty? Anything over $50 do you call the cops? Where's your line?
Go figure, but Keith and I didn't see eye to eye. I thought anything over $20 you should turn in. Keith thinks that if it's unmarked with NO way of identifying it, finders keepers.
Today was a parenting test. Cole found $4 in the hallway at school. He told me he as he pulled it out of his backpack ready to buy something at the bookfair. I told him that someone lost that money. It could have been their lunch money, money they earned for a special book at the bookfair, or change their parents will be upset if they lost. We went to the office and turned it in. Here's where I'm wondering if it was the right thing to do..... The secretaries were so proud of him. They made a big deal of the good dead and said they will make a special announcement over the whole school tomorrow morning. He was so embarrassed!
I'll have to see how it goes tomorrow. I hope he understands what it means to do the right thing. And money is never ours till we've earned it. For a prize I bought him the dang $10 book he wanted at the Fair. Ugh... now I'm gonna have to read Bionicles. Why do they keep picking things that I have ZERO interest in?
Do you pick up a quarter? A dollar? Do you save a twenty? Anything over $50 do you call the cops? Where's your line?
Go figure, but Keith and I didn't see eye to eye. I thought anything over $20 you should turn in. Keith thinks that if it's unmarked with NO way of identifying it, finders keepers.
Today was a parenting test. Cole found $4 in the hallway at school. He told me he as he pulled it out of his backpack ready to buy something at the bookfair. I told him that someone lost that money. It could have been their lunch money, money they earned for a special book at the bookfair, or change their parents will be upset if they lost. We went to the office and turned it in. Here's where I'm wondering if it was the right thing to do..... The secretaries were so proud of him. They made a big deal of the good dead and said they will make a special announcement over the whole school tomorrow morning. He was so embarrassed!
I'll have to see how it goes tomorrow. I hope he understands what it means to do the right thing. And money is never ours till we've earned it. For a prize I bought him the dang $10 book he wanted at the Fair. Ugh... now I'm gonna have to read Bionicles. Why do they keep picking things that I have ZERO interest in?
Once a Tiatan, Always a Tiatan
I was a gymnast when I was a little girl. I made the team at Lewisville Gymnastics Center wearing my lucky number 12 (Cole's current soccer # - coincidence? I think not!)
We practiced everyday for hours. Then we had meets on Saturdays. I loved it. I quit after a couple of years. I couldn't get over my fear of doing backhand springs on the balance beam. I did them, then fell on my head, and decided, I didn't like to do them anymore.
Brad is taking gymnastics. It's just a little class to keep him active and feeling accomplished. I don't expect him to stay in it for life. Half the time he doesn't want to go anyway.
As I sit and watch Brad, the "team" practices all over the gym. I watch the coaches spot them, and I can instantly feel the hand on my lower back, the sense of them there for they gymnast even tough they weren't really needed. I watch these girls and see the equipment. I miss it all. But, I do have some realizations to discuss.
They wear leotards with these little hot pants over them. GENIUS. Why in the world did we have to wear "trunks" with them hanging all out anyway? AND we use to wear this stupid band over our tummies to remind us to "suck in" - not these girls. The elastic bands are gone, and nasty trunks are gone. Perfect!
I might as well be paying team prices. $50 a month for Brad to run around. Listen, when I was little we had a class with one teacher. Brad only has 4 little kids in his class, but there are 8 different classes going on at once. They have all these stations set up with 2 instructors a station. Then the kids rotate to the next event. It's mass chaos. I'm paying for all these high school kids to play with Brad on the equipment. What if I did have a child who's serious about this.... oh... that's right - PRIVATE LESSONS ($$$$$)
THEN, Cole wanted to have his birthday party there. I went to sign him up and they promptly asked me for $175! WHAT?! For an hour and 1/2 they wanted that much money. I think I'll pass. Please stay tuned for the deep end I dove off for the Indiana Jones Party!!
We practiced everyday for hours. Then we had meets on Saturdays. I loved it. I quit after a couple of years. I couldn't get over my fear of doing backhand springs on the balance beam. I did them, then fell on my head, and decided, I didn't like to do them anymore.
Brad is taking gymnastics. It's just a little class to keep him active and feeling accomplished. I don't expect him to stay in it for life. Half the time he doesn't want to go anyway.
As I sit and watch Brad, the "team" practices all over the gym. I watch the coaches spot them, and I can instantly feel the hand on my lower back, the sense of them there for they gymnast even tough they weren't really needed. I watch these girls and see the equipment. I miss it all. But, I do have some realizations to discuss.
They wear leotards with these little hot pants over them. GENIUS. Why in the world did we have to wear "trunks" with them hanging all out anyway? AND we use to wear this stupid band over our tummies to remind us to "suck in" - not these girls. The elastic bands are gone, and nasty trunks are gone. Perfect!
I might as well be paying team prices. $50 a month for Brad to run around. Listen, when I was little we had a class with one teacher. Brad only has 4 little kids in his class, but there are 8 different classes going on at once. They have all these stations set up with 2 instructors a station. Then the kids rotate to the next event. It's mass chaos. I'm paying for all these high school kids to play with Brad on the equipment. What if I did have a child who's serious about this.... oh... that's right - PRIVATE LESSONS ($$$$$)
THEN, Cole wanted to have his birthday party there. I went to sign him up and they promptly asked me for $175! WHAT?! For an hour and 1/2 they wanted that much money. I think I'll pass. Please stay tuned for the deep end I dove off for the Indiana Jones Party!!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Shot Through The Heart
I was tucking Brad into bed this evening. I watched him play with his hair while he yawned so sleepy. Then in his little Brad voice "mommy, I always forget what I want to tell you". I ask "what do you want to tell me?".
He replies "I forget, but I'll tell you in my dreams."
Melted. I couldn't love him more.
He replies "I forget, but I'll tell you in my dreams."
Melted. I couldn't love him more.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Tagged
Erin. She's my friend from Idaho, and from North Carolina, but mostly Idaho. She kinda kept to herself while we were in North Carolina. Little did nosy neighbors down the street know she was suffering from morning sickness for half the time we lived there. I forgive her :-) She is super funny and quick witted. She's incredibly smart, kind, and a loving mother. I also am in envy of her ability to budget and price compare. I feel like corrupting her from time to time with Coach purses, frequent pedicures, and other totally necessary items! She tagged me with these questions. Since I have nothing better to talk about than the amount of urine to which flows in my house, I thought this is slightly better material.
Your 8 questions are:
1) What has been the most surprising aspect of motherhood in your experience? If you're not a mom, what is it like to go to the bathroom in privacy?
I am still in shock with the amount of ... you know... urine. I promise I'm done saying it for now. The dirty job detail is a lot to take in. Were you expecting a sweet and heartfelt answer? Not today.
2) How often do you shave your legs in the winter?
I use to say daily, but since daily showers aren't always in the schedule of events... I shave them every time I shower. I can't sleep with prickly leg hairs.
3) What's your favorite thing to do online? If shopping, what site?
I read many many blogs. One time I listed how many tv shows I watch. I think you would be FLOORED with how many sites I visit daily. Now that I'm back to the land of excess, shopping online has slowed down drastically. My favorite was Amazon. They shipped to APO's in RECORD time!! Loved that.
4) If you already possessed the necessary education and experience level, what would you choose for your dream job?
Oh... I always wanted to be a back up dancer. Seeing how I would have to travel quite often and be away from my family, I will go with my #2 answer of Labor and Delivery Nurse.
5) Share a "last-minute" dinner recipe. No pancake balls, please.
Spaghetti, or I make "Cole's favorite" It's turkey sausage links cut and pan fried in garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce. Then mix it with a box of shells and cheese. Sometimes I throw in 1/2 cup pureed cauliflower Sorry, it's not Derek friendly... it's probably not friendly at all for any of us. And yes, I had to take the bottle out of the fridge to spell Worcestershire.
6) Do you speed or drive the speed limit?
One time in my life I got two speeding tickets in one day. Another time I was clocked 26 miles OVER the speed limit. Now I only go as fast as the law will allow. That's the rule in Mike Victor. I haven't had a speeding ticket in 10 years, I think.
7) If you could live anywhere, where would you choose?
With my stinky, smelly boys. That's the only kind of attitude to have in the Air Force. To pretend to have a choice in the matter is like catching stars - never gonna happen.
8) What kind of new vacuum should I buy?
ohh... I want to corrupt you to the Dyson! However, I miss my Hoover Windtunnel most of all. In 3 years I'm on my second Dyson. It's a good vacuum, but there's still things I wish I could change about it. If you buy one, get it from Bed Bath & Beyond with a coupon. They have such a great return/exchange policy. It's the only way to go with them!
Your 8 questions are:
1) What has been the most surprising aspect of motherhood in your experience? If you're not a mom, what is it like to go to the bathroom in privacy?
I am still in shock with the amount of ... you know... urine. I promise I'm done saying it for now. The dirty job detail is a lot to take in. Were you expecting a sweet and heartfelt answer? Not today.
2) How often do you shave your legs in the winter?
I use to say daily, but since daily showers aren't always in the schedule of events... I shave them every time I shower. I can't sleep with prickly leg hairs.
3) What's your favorite thing to do online? If shopping, what site?
I read many many blogs. One time I listed how many tv shows I watch. I think you would be FLOORED with how many sites I visit daily. Now that I'm back to the land of excess, shopping online has slowed down drastically. My favorite was Amazon. They shipped to APO's in RECORD time!! Loved that.
4) If you already possessed the necessary education and experience level, what would you choose for your dream job?
Oh... I always wanted to be a back up dancer. Seeing how I would have to travel quite often and be away from my family, I will go with my #2 answer of Labor and Delivery Nurse.
5) Share a "last-minute" dinner recipe. No pancake balls, please.
Spaghetti, or I make "Cole's favorite" It's turkey sausage links cut and pan fried in garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce. Then mix it with a box of shells and cheese. Sometimes I throw in 1/2 cup pureed cauliflower Sorry, it's not Derek friendly... it's probably not friendly at all for any of us. And yes, I had to take the bottle out of the fridge to spell Worcestershire.
6) Do you speed or drive the speed limit?
One time in my life I got two speeding tickets in one day. Another time I was clocked 26 miles OVER the speed limit. Now I only go as fast as the law will allow. That's the rule in Mike Victor. I haven't had a speeding ticket in 10 years, I think.
7) If you could live anywhere, where would you choose?
With my stinky, smelly boys. That's the only kind of attitude to have in the Air Force. To pretend to have a choice in the matter is like catching stars - never gonna happen.
8) What kind of new vacuum should I buy?
ohh... I want to corrupt you to the Dyson! However, I miss my Hoover Windtunnel most of all. In 3 years I'm on my second Dyson. It's a good vacuum, but there's still things I wish I could change about it. If you buy one, get it from Bed Bath & Beyond with a coupon. They have such a great return/exchange policy. It's the only way to go with them!
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